That is for sure, there is a lot to be learned from traditional practices for people such as us. Another book worth a look if you can find it is "Farmers of Forty Centuries" by F.H.King - he took a trip through Asia at the turn of last century and records the traditional agricultural practices that he saw. Apart from his pre-occupation with figures (costs, amount produced etc.) down to the tiniest detail it is a really good read.

found this here....haven't got original book, but it seems to be something that is really free on the internet....is this possible?a bit lengthy as small pages, and at the end of the book there is request for help and stuff, but it seems kosher and is indeed very interesting ....whitewashing coal in transit so that no-one steals it! and i thought spraying chicks pink so vultures don't take them was original!